Autumn is Here!

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September 18, 2019

Fall has arrived and you wouldn’t know it! The weather continues to be hot and we know many of you are itching to get started on your fall and winter projects. We also have our fall work lined up for us and we fell slightly behind with keeping you up to date in August. Many of you knew our mother, Irene Kierski. She came to all of the festivals except the last few due to her physical limitations and health. She traveled with us the last couple of years to some regional and local shows. Even though she was no longer able to knit, crochet or stitch, she enjoyed the beautiful colors seen on the show floors and appreciated the work of our hands in the exhibition halls. Our mom passed away in August. She taught us many good lessons in life, among them, to appreciate the beauty of simplicity. Whether a hand made sweater, a quilted bed cover, an embroidered pillowcase or a lace handkerchief, she showed us the value of an item made by hand with love is an item to treasure.

 

We know that each and every one of you who works with their hands appreciates a gift made from a loved one, no matter how small. Keep on stitching, knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning and know that your work is more valuable than a pot of gold!

 

Fall is the time for Festivals, markets, fairs and shows. Some of the fall shows are included in our travel plans. We attend them to keep fresh, get new ideas, seek out new instructors and exhibitors to enhance the Festival in March.

 

There is no shortage of regional shows to attend in the upcoming weeks:

 

 

 

Fall is also the time when we begin making our final class selections. We also love taking walks when the weather starts to cool and enjoying the splendor of the autumn colors.

Sweepstakes Giveaways Winners:

 

One Skein of Berroco Aurora Borealis: Maryann Tarr of Pittsburgh, PA

 

One Skein of Lang Mohair Luxe yarn: Jeannie Turney of Girard, OH

 

One 5″ Embroidery Hoop and Hand Dyed Fabrics: Rose Weber of Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

 

 

 

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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

What’s coming this Fall

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July 24, 2019

We’ve been traveling to some of the industry trade shows to see what’s coming this fall.

 

Yarns:

Gradient tonals and solids are making a comeback. Self striping and hand dyed yarns are here to stay but we’ll see some softer gradients making their way back to the shelves.

Mohair is back, that thin wispy yarn that is light as a feather and perfectly suitable for every lacy accessory. You’ll see it in every color under the sun and in a variety of variegated colors too, with blends of alpaca, wool and nylon making them loftier and more lustrous. Thick and chunky yarns will still be part of your fall selection. They’re softer, easy to work with and great for quick or large projects.

 

I have one skein of Berroco’s Aurora Borealis to give away and a skein of Lang Mohair Luxe as well.  See below for details to register for the sweepstakes.

 

Fabrics and Stitching:

Sustainability is the key to some upcoming fabric trends. With the continued innovation of seamless fabric runs and small textile production, the fall fabrics feature small and large geometrics, organic, large bold florals alongside small scale prints. There will be a trend towards mixing all of those patterns and fabrics. Simple as well as complex textural designs will complete finished quilt tops, with sashiko, boro and slow stitching techniques becoming the perfect tool for a throwback to a simpler, mindful lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

I have one 5 inch embroidery hoop and an assortment of hand dyed fabrics for one lucky winner.  See below for details to register for the sweepstakes.

 

We have begun to accept class submissions for the the Festival in March 2020 and are finalizing contracts with our headliners. If you have considered teaching a class, please be sure to let us know and we can send out a class submission form.

 

Save the dates for the 2019 Steel Valley Yarn Crawl.There are 11 shops participating this year. Be sure to stop into every one and show your support for local yarn stores!

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways:

Winners will be announced in the next newsletter.

 

One Skein of Berroco Aurora Borealis: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: AURORA

 

One Skein of Lang Mohair Luxe yarn: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: MOHAIR LUXE

 

One 5″ Embroidery Hoop and Hand Dyed Fabrics: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: HOOP AND HAND DYES

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

What we are up to!

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June 26, 2019

Newsletter takeover….it’s Ann this time, so you know there won’t be a lot of news about yarns or fabrics…but here I go!

Barb just returned from the Summer TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) trade show in Cleveland, OH. She brought back some goodies that we will share in the next newsletter for giveaways. She was able to see the newest yarns that will hit your local yarn stores this fall and preview some beautiful threads and accessories for needle arts as well. It is always fun for Barb to connect with our sponsors and see some of the vendors from the Festival too!

So as most of you know, Barb and I are very close and we love to poke fun at each other. It keeps us sane! I always tell her that she is a know it all (ok, she does have a lot more knowledge of yarns, fabrics and techniques than I do, so I will give her that). This is a cute comic I shared with her yesterday to brighten her day and to let her know that I did know a few things as well.

Barb is going to have some minor surgery this week, so keep her in your thoughts. That is the real reason I am taking over the newsletter this month, I am sure she will have more to add on what she discovered at TNNA and her travels in the next newsletter. Until then, enjoy the official start of summer and keep on working on your summer projects.

 

 

 

 

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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Ann

Summertime plans

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June 1, 2019

It’s summertime and we hope you are enjoying the warm weather and longer days.

Ann and I are taking some time to explore some of the techniques and products we learned at the Festival in March.

The next couple of months allow us time to play, as well as a little research and development for the 2020 Festival: stop in on stores, guilds, local shows and exhibitions and attend some of the well known national trade shows.

We’ll be checking out the newest products and latest trends in the yarn and fabric world and will let you know what we find.

We’ll be interviewing teachers and exploring classes and techniques.

Barb continues to make hearts for the Pgh HandMade Hearts campaign. Check out the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Facebook and Instagram pages where she has joined the #100dayproject and #100daysofstitchingtogether and is posting 100 days of HandMade Hearts. She has completed another outdoor installation with some fabrics and yarn flowers pictured below.

 

Ann has been playing in her flower and vegetable gardens and making polymer clay jewelry.

 

We would love to see what you are working on! Post your photos to our Facebook or Instagram pages with the hashtag #mysummerprojectpgh. Click on the icons to the right of the newsletter to get to the pages.

 

Don’t forget that Saturday, June 8th is World Wide Knit in Public Day!

Make plans to be somewhere with your friends!

 

2 other events just opened are the Quilt National ’19 at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH and the FiberArt International 2019 in Pittsburgh, PA.  Make sure to check them out over the summer!

 

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways Winners:

 

Yarn Lovers:

 

1. One NORO Pattern Book, Designer Mini Knits 2 of Jenny Watson Designs.

Margaret Havran of Bethel Park, PA

 

 

2. Two Berroco Pattern books with a skein of organic cotton/wool blend yarn in each one.

Jude Gordon of Monroeville, PA

 

3. Three skeins of Vanna’s Choice Peacock Yarn from Lion Brand Yarn Co.

Claudia Millradt of Vienna, VA

 

4. Two skeins of True Blue Cotton Supreme DK yarn from Universal Yarn Inc.

Cassandra Williams of Erie, PA

 

Fabric Lovers:

 

1. Four spools of Dual Duty All Purpose Thread from Coats (variegated purple, variegated blues, variegated reds and a solid red) and a package of Anchor Gold Plated Cross Stitch Needles.

Barb Beideman of Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

2. An Embroidery/Quilt Book: Stitched from the Heart, Quilts and More to give with Love by Kori Turner-Goodhart.

Carol Ann Hart of McDonald, OH

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Creative Open Studio & Maker Space Takeover!!

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March 4, 2019

Mail in Registration is now closed! You still have time to register for classes and admission until March 10th online!

 

For several years we have dedicated 2 spaces, the Creative Open Studio and the Maker Space. These are both designed for you to try your hand at new activities, crafts, techniques and sewing machines.

 

We are please to welcome Kreinik Mfg. with a takeover of the Maker Space:

 

 

  • Doug Kreinik and his team from Kreinik Mfg.take over on Friday & Saturday at the Festival, including both nights of the Block Party! They will feature interactive make it and take it activities and demos including string art, embroidery, card making, weaving and more!
  • Every Child Inc. takes over the Maker Space on Sunday, March 17th. There will be kids crafts, heart making actvities and the facilitation of a quilt made from blocks created by attendees.
  • Pgh HandMade Hearts – hang out with Barb all weekend long and make a variety of hearts as part of her family’s campaign. (all materials provided.

Creative Open Studio:

 

Photo shown above is from Petra Fallaux’s Formations Quilt Series

 

We welcome Quilt National ’19 and The Dairy Barn Arts Center from Athens, Ohio. All weekend long you can visit with guest artisans including Petra Fallaux, Denise Roberts, Peggy Black, Michael Ross, Ann Judy and Stefani Danes. You can take part in the heart challenge, try out new sewing machines and techniques. Enjoy presentations and education with the featured quilt artists and more. Make this a must stop all weekend long, including both nights of the Block Party!

 

DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 3/8/19). With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

2 Weeks Away…. Randyland and some reminders

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March 1, 2019

We are 2 weeks away!

 

Mark your calendars:

  • Monday, March 4th is the last day to send in a Mail-In Registration for admission or classes.
  • Sunday, March 10th is the last day to register online for admission or classes.

No Advanced tickets will be mailed. You may pick up your registration packet at the Advanced Registration tables.

Day and Multi-Day passes will be available at the door, as well as some classes, based on availability.

 

 

How fun was it to be involved in the iconic Knit the Bridge Yarn Bombing 5 years ago. We are supporting the upcoming:

FLOWER POWER: A YARN BOMBING at Randyland, one of Pittsburgh’s most colorful spots. Randyland, located in the Mexican War Streets North Side neighborhood is an open air museum that has evolved over the past 25 years to an internationally recognized site. Visitors have been registered from over 140 countries.

 

 

FLOWER POWER is a themed yarn bombing  and everyone is invited to participate to create a flower or piece to be added into the “installation”. This community event will be held both Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11 PM during the Block Party Weekend. All materials will be provided for participants to make bright flowers to keep Randyland “a breath of fresh air and whimsy for the soul”, as stated on Trip Advisor. No crochet or knitting skills required.

 

 

Be sure to make your reservations now for the DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 3/7/19). With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

A Talented Group!

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February 25, 2019

We are always proud to feature as much talent as we do each year in the classroom and on the market floor. Did you know that many of our teachers and exhibitors are nationally and internationally recognized for their designs and their work?

 

 

Karen Womack and Miriam Coffey were asked to participate in the Fresh Quilting Series which will air on March 1st, 2019. We are thrilled to have them join us this year and share their skills, knowledge and expertise with you.

 

Robyn Chachula is a regular on both Annie’s Creative Studio and Interweave’s Knitting Daily. She has numerous videos available in her booth and has a handful of new classes that she is offering this year. We’re proud to call this gal our “hometown” Crochet Superstar and friend.

 

 

Jolie Elder has served on the boards of the Atlanta Knitting Guild, North Georgia Knitting Guild, Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance and Center for Knit and Crochet. She has been published in PLY, Spin-Off and Cast On.

 

Cathy Robbins is the President of the Southwest Ohio Crochet Guild, she coordinates monthly meetings, teaches new techniques and projects and organizes outside activities for the Cincinnati area chapter of the Crochet Guild of America.

 

Jen Lucas and Heather Zoppetti have published numerous books and their designs are featured regularly in all of the current knitting publications.

 

 

Steve Fegert is one of the leading men behind Leading Men Fiber Arts from central Illinois. His upbeat personality will make you want to hang out at their booth all weekend!

 

Laura Barnes and Miriam Coffey take their skills on the road as educators for sewing machine companies.

 

Many of our teachers come to us from out of state and some are local to the region. Some tend their own animals and prepare the fiber for shows. Some are store owners and many have worked hard to attain their master teaching certification and their skills and knowledge are what makes this event so special and unique. They all work hard to prepare the perfect classes for you. Register for classes soon, all class attendees receive a gift in class from our sponsors. Registration time is winding down soon, we are less than 3 weeks to go!

 

In addition to taking the classes with them, plan to Meet the Teachers at the Block Party on Friday evening in a relaxed informal atmosphere. Get a copy of one their books, a pattern and have it autographed for yourself or for someone else as a special gift.

 

Be sure to make your reservations now for the DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 2/28/19). With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 
March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Sunday Fun Day at the Festival!

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February 20, 2019

Sunday is a great day to spend at the Festival and we have a lot going on!

 

Remember to wear your green for St. Patrick’s Day.  Thank you to Keri at Youghiogheny Yarns for adding a little extra pizazz to our logo.

 

Here are just a few things to remember to plan your Sunday Fun Day:

 

  • Senior Sunday sponsored by UPMC SENIOR COMMUNITIES.  All seniors (65 and over) receive a discounted admission at the door: $5.00
  • Kid’s Craft Day! Come join Every Child Inc. to make a make a square that will be quilted together and displayed in Pittsburgh at various locations. Participants (kids and adults) are invited to make colorful squares on what family means to you!

  • Girl Scouts get in for $5.00 at the door! Come make a heart at the Maker Space with Pgh HandMade Hearts

  • Sunday Swap – bring your favorite item to swap.  The swap will be held at 2:30 PM. Three different catagories: Yarn, Fabric or Handmade. Bring your item in a brown paper bag and go home with something new. Don’t have an item to swap? You can purchase a swap ticket at the door for $20.00 and still participate. All items should be of approximate $25.00 retail value and should be un-used, of good quality and from a smoke-free, scent-free household. End the weekend with a surprise gift.

  • Scavenger Hunt – Don’t forget to check your program and participate in the Scavenger Hunt. Items can be found in all 3 Market Rooms (GreenTree, Oakmont and Duquesne Rooms). Fill in the page and bring it to registration to claim your prize.

  • Grand Prizes – This is the day winners will be selected.

 

Be sure to make your reservations now for the DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 2/28/19).  With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Gifts for Classes

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February 17, 2019

Have you registered for your classes yet?  Whether you sew, knit, quilt, crochet or want to learn a new craft or technique, there is a class for you. You don’t want to miss out on some of the special gifts that each student receives in class including yarn, crochet hooks, fabrics, jelly rolls, knitting needles and more!

 

Here are just a few of the gifts that students who are taking a class can look forward to receiving from our sponsors:

 

YARN LOVERS:

  

 

FABRIC LOVERS:

   

 

Stay tuned for more gifts after we open more boxes!

 

Be sure to make your reservations now for the DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 2/28/19).  With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 
March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Block Party Activities Announced!

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February 10, 2019

The winner of the final Free one night stay, donated by the DoubleTree by Hilton in Green Tree, PA is Abigayle Shin of Whitaker, PA. Congratulations!

 

If you weren’t one of the 3 lucky winners, you can still book a room at the DoubleTree at the discounted rate of $125.00 per night. At the end of February, we can’t guarantee the discounted room rate will be available, so be sure to make your reservations now. With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket!

 

 

At this time, we have a preliminary schedule of Block Party activities for Friday and Saturday evenings after classes end and the market closes. We’ll be adding more activities and have the full schedule available on site. More activities will be added to the website as they come in. The hotel will provide food and beverage kiosks to make the evening more enjoyable.

 

Friday Evening:

  • Join Artisanal Yarns for a Beaded Yarn Tasting, Angora spinning demo and the famous one hour skirts on display.
  • Pamper Yourself Lounge: Massages with Olive Nusida, Scrubs and personal essential oils with Melanie Cummins, a Young Living Oils representative. S. Chatterji for Mehndi temporary body art tattoos. (Nominal fees will be associated with the Pamper Yourself Services).
  • Lion Brand Yarn’s Charity Lounge, hosted by Bethany Ministry. Stop by the lounge and join the ladies from Bethany Community Ministry in making hearts, hats, blocks and other charity knitting and crochet projects. A coloring lounge will also be featured. Various weight yarns will graciously be donated by Lion Brand Yarn for your use.
  • Stretch and Renew with Natalie Roberson.  Natalie will show you how to loosen up those tight neck and shoulder muscles and some good exercises for alleviating hand cramps and keeping your hands flexible.
  • Meet the Teachers: Meet, chat and have an informal discussion with some of our teachers. Get your book signed, buy a copy of a book or pattern or just get some advice from these knowledgeable instructors.
  • Flameworking Demos with the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Watch Artisans work with glass rods.
  • String Art and Card Making with Doug Krienik.Try your hand at string art techniques with Doug and his team from Krienik Mfg. Interactive Weaving will also be included with local weavers. Embroidery supplies will be available for sale.
  • Join Quilt National and The Dairy Barn Arts Center and their team of quilters in the Creative Open Studio to make a variety of fabric hearts. (all materials supplied).

Saturday Evening:

  • Join Adirondack Yarns to learn Color Theory. Try combining colors with the help of the Color Wheel.
  • HipStrings and Gwen Erin will host a “Spin-In”with supported spinning, Turkish spinning and wheel spinning demos. Try your hand at all of them and find out what fibers you like best. HipStrings will have a full supply of spinning accessories and Gwen Erin will offer a wide array of fibers for sale to support the spinning.
  • Join Quilt National and The Dairy Barn Arts Center and their team of quilters in the Creative Open Studio to make a variety of fabric hearts. (all materials supplied).
  • String Art and Card Making with Doug Krienik.Try your hand at string art techniques with Doug and his team from Krienik Mfg. Interactive Weaving will also be included with local weavers. Embroidery supplies will be available for sale.
  • A UFO Crash Site and ER Lounge – bring in your “Un Finished Objects” (knit and crochet) in a relaxed environment and get some expert advice and assistance with Jolie Elder and Catherine Kocina, two of our teachers.
  • Stitch & Party! McWalker Yarns will host a “Sit and Stitch” and a trunk show of Stitch Party Yarns. Come join in on the fun!
  • Amy Baughman Sew & Quilt Center will offer a fun make it activity and invite you to a “Drag and Brag” (Show and tell). Bring your latest projects to share with others.
  • Pamper Yourself Lounge: Massages with Olive Nusida. Scrubs and personal essential oils with Melanie Cummins, a Young Living Oils representative. S. Chatterji for Mehndi temporary body art tattoos. (Nominal fees will be associated with the Pamper Yourself Services).
  • Lion Brand Yarn’s Charity Lounge, hosted by Bethany Ministry. Stop by the lounge and join the ladies from Bethany Community Ministry in making hearts, hats, blocks and other charity knitting and crochet projects. A card making activity will also be featured. Various weight yarns will graciously be donated by Lion Brand Yarn for your use.

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 
March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann